The problem “libGL error: failed to load driver: swrast” suggests that the system’s OpenGL software rendering driver (swrast) isn’t working properly. In this article, we’ll see how to fix the issue. As part of our Server Management Service, Bobcares provides answers to all of your questions.

Fixing “libGL error: failed to load driver: swrast”

The error shows an issue with the OpenGL software rendering driver (swrast). Here are common causes and fixes:

1. Missing or Conflicting Graphics Drivers:

Cause: System can’t find the necessary OpenGL libraries or the swrast driver.

Fix:

sudo apt-get install --reinstall libgl1-mesa-glx libgl1-mesa-dri
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade

Check for and uninstall any conflicting graphics drivers (e.g., NVIDIA and AMD/Intel).

2. Incorrect Library Paths:

Cause: System is trying to load the swrast_dri.so file from the wrong directories.

Fix: Ensure swrast_dri.so exists in /usr/lib/dri/ or /usr/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/dri/. If not, create a symbolic link or update the library paths.

3. Conflicting Environment Variables:

Cause: The LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE environment variable is set, forcing software rendering.

Fix: Unset the LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE

export LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE=

4. Using a Virtual Framebuffer (xvfb-run):

Cause: Running a GUI application in a non-interactive session.

Fix:

xvfb-run --auto-servernum --server-args='-screen 0 1024x768x24'

xvfb-run starts a virtual framebuffer, –auto-servernum selects an available display number, –server-args sets screen resolution and color depth, is the GUI application causing the error.

5. Outdated or Incompatible Graphics Drivers:

Cause: Graphics drivers are outdated or incompatible.

Fix: Update the graphics drivers following the graphics card manufacturer’s instructions.

For NVIDIA drivers, ensure 32-bit libraries are installed:

sudo apt-get install libnvidia-gl-515:i386

Replace 515 with the NVIDIA driver version.

By following these steps, we can resolve the “libGL error: failed to load driver: swrast” issue.

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Conclusion

Removing the issue can have several benefits, particularly if we’re working with graphical apps or development on a Linux system. To sum up, our Support team went over the troubleshooting details of libgl error failed to load driver swrast.